Austria is a wonderful destination for travellers who enjoy beautiful scenery, rich history, and charming towns. From the elegant streets and grand palaces of Vienna to the peaceful villages surrounded by the Alps, the country offers something different at every turn. You can spend your days exploring historic landmarks, hiking through scenic mountain landscapes, or simply enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of a riverside town.

Whether you are visiting Austria for its stunning nature, fascinating culture, or unforgettable landscapes, there are plenty of Things to Do in Austria for every type of traveller. From outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to exploring historic cities and picturesque villages, Austria offers plenty of memorable experiences to make your trip special.

Comparison Table: Best Things to Do in Austria

Best 10 Things to Do in Austria

Planning your trip? Here’s everything you need to indulge in things to do in Austria, from palaces to mountain ranges, lakes, and scenic alpine routes for everyone.

1. Discover Schonbrunn Palace with Dinner and Classical Music

A trip to the palace combined with a candlelight dinner accompanied by a live orchestra makes it a perfect example of imperial grandeur, thus ranking among the best Austria family attractions for a memorable evening in Vienna.

• Location: Vienna 

• Why Visit: A blend of royal history, exquisite dining experience, and classical music performance in a magnificent palace ambiance.

• Ideal Duration: 3-4 hours

2. Ride a Cable Car in Innsbruck for Sweeping Alpine Views

Swoop up above Innsbruck, the capital city of Tirol, on an amazing cable-car ride to enjoy fantastic sights of towering mountain ranges, green valleys, and rooftops of Innsbruck spread everywhere around you.

• Location: Innsbruck

• Why Visit: Provides stunning views of the mountains and immediate access to hiking trails directly from downtown

• Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours

3. Cruise Along the Picturesque Danube River

Take a cruise along the second-longest river in Europe, surrounded by vineyards, castles, and charming villages that allow you to admire the scenery and architecture of Austria’s countryside.

• Location: Flows through Vienna, Linz, and the Wachau Valley 

• Why Visit: A peaceful cruise tour that includes visiting ancient towns, vineyards, and scenic rivers

• Ideal Duration: Half-Day

4. Savour Coffee and Cake in a Traditional Viennese Concert 

Drinking Wiener Melange while enjoying Sachertorte in the traditional Austrian coffee house will definitely be among the top Austria cultural experiences where one enjoys music and conversations in leisure time.

• Location: Vienna

• Why Visit: An ongoing culture of coffee shops coupled with classical ambience and delectable desserts

• Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours

5. Explore the Historic Hohensalzburg Fortress

Highly perched above the city of Salzburg, the historic medieval castle provides stunning views of the city itself, the Alpine mountains, and the river Salzach, alongside an abundance of historical evidence of the past.

• Location: Salzburg

• Why Visit: One of Europe's largest medieval castles, which houses museums, courtyards, and stunning views of the city

• Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours

6. Drive Along the Scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road 

Drive through the hairpin bends of Austria's most popular scenic drive, through glaciers, waterfalls, and the highest mountain in Austria, becoming one of the Austria outdoor activities and most sought-after routes for road-trippers.

• Location: Hohe Tauern National Park 

• Why Visit: Magnificent alpine landscapes, glacier vistas, and opportunity for hiking along the route 

• Ideal Duration: 1 day

7. Take in a Breathtaking Panoramic View of the Wachau Valley 

With vineyard-covered hills, riverbank towns, and abbeys situated atop hills create a landscape in this valley that is protected by UNESCO and which offers some of the most beautiful scenery along the Danube.

• Location: Wachau Valley, near Krems and Melk 

• Why Visit: UNESCO World Heritage landscapes of vineyards, castles, and beautiful river villages

• Ideal Duration: Half-day

8. Snowshoe and Winter Hike Across Miles of Dachstein Krippenstein Glacier 

Experience snow-filled trails by trekking with snowshoes or during winter hiking on the breathtaking landscape of the Dachstein Krippenstein, making a memorable choice for Austria winter activities combining serene alpine surroundings with adventure in winter.

• Location: Salzkammergut region 

• Why Visit: High altitude skiing, glacier routes, and the world-famous 5 fingers viewing point

• Ideal Duration: Whole day

9. Explore the Charming Alpine Village of Hallstatt 

Nestled between mountains and a mirror-like lake, this delightful village has earned the nickname “the most photographed village in Austria,” due to its painted homes and its salt mining history.

• Location: Salzkammergut region 

• Why Visit: Fairy-tale scenery, lakeside views, and old salt mining area

• Ideal Duration: Half-day

10. Discover Austria's Heritage on a Guided Walking Tour 

Discover the history of Austria on foot by walking through its streets and places. In addition to insights into royal history, this tour will provide you with information about the historical and architectural aspects of the cities in Austria.

• Location: Vienna and Salzburg 

• Why Visit: Experience the historical monuments, lifestyle of local people, and Austrian culture

• Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours 

Whether one prefers stately palaces and pretty villages, scenic drives, river cruises, or even mountain climbing expeditions, the things to do in Austria have something to offer everyone. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for cultural events, nature, or adventures; Austria offers an unforgettable experience.

Best Things to Do in Austria By Interest 

Whether you prefer to travel in a certain style, Austria has activities that will satisfy history buffs, foodies, adventure seekers, and families.

When to Visit Austria

The ideal time to travel is based on your preference for skiing, hiking in the mountains, or visiting Christmas markets.

Every season is special for its own reason and offers something unique to the traveler, so no matter when you decide to make your trip, there will always be some exciting things to do in Austria.

Perfect One-Day Austria Itinerary for Better Exploration 

A carefully planned Austria day trip allows you to enjoy Viennese palaces, coffeehouses, and music within a single day. This one-day tour in Vienna offers you an experience with its imperial monuments, local dishes, old streets, and coffee traditions. Visit the Schonbrunn Palace in the morning, take a walk around Central Vienna in the afternoon, and finish the day with Austrian food and classical music.

Quick Route Overview

Schonbrunn Palace → Upper Belvedere → Naschmarkt → Coffeehouse → Hofburg & Graben → St. Stephen’s Cathedral → Austrian Dinner → Classical Concert  

How to Travel Around Austria

Traveling in Austria is easy, owing to its efficient rail services, trams, and road connections to various cities and alpine resorts.

Using an appropriate means of transport will make it easy to accomplish more things to do in Austria without spending unnecessary time in transit.

Tips to Keep in Mind While Doing Activities in Austria

A little planning can take you a long way in discovering Austria’s cities, mountain resorts, and villages.

• Pre-book major attractions such as Schonbrunn Palace and concerts.

• Take comfortable footwear to handle cobblestone streets and mountain paths.

• A weather forecast before mountain climbing, especially Grossglockner, is a must.

• Keep some cash handy while visiting coffee shops and the countryside.

• Have knowledge of some basic German words to speak in German.

• Bring thermal wear, since the alpine region’s weather can be unpredictable.

Taking these tips into account will ensure that your visits are smooth and worry-free.

Conclusion

The beauty of Austria can be found in the union of imperial heritage, adventurous excursions to the Alps, and hospitable people in just one trip. With so many things to do in Austria, whether exploring castles or trekking glaciers, there is always something special to repeat over and over again.

Plan Your Austria Trip With EraEase

Looking for a worry-free adventure in Austria? Look no further than EraEase to assist in making your journey a memorable one with some travel advice on places to visit in Austria, its cities, and its scenic landscape.

FAQ’s

What are the top things to do in Austria for first-time visitors? 

Must-see attractions for first-time visitors to Austria include the Schonbrunn Palace, visiting Hallstatt, the Innsbruck cable car ride, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress tour.

What is the best time to visit Austria? 

Summer (June-August) is great for hiking and enjoying lake activities, whereas winter (December-February) is perfect for skiing and Christmas markets.

How many days are enough to explore Austria? 

One week is sufficient for visiting Vienna, Salzburg, and the region of Salzkammergut, although a one-day visit to Vienna is still interesting.

Is Austria good for families?

Yes, attractions such as Schonbrunn Palace and Hallstatt have family-friendly places to visit with both beautiful views and child-friendly activities.

How do I get around Austria easily? 

Austria’s railway system (OBB), trams in Vienna, and car rentals to explore places such as Grossglockner make traveling in Austria an easy task.